Not just for looksAccording to PETCO, pampering your pet from head to toe isn't just about making them adorable, it's about keeping them safe. "It's important to keep paws healthy in order to prevent injury from possible environmental hazards or allergens," PETCO advisers said in a statement. Checking their eyes, ears and mouths is also a crucial step to keeping your pooch well. PETCO is now introducing Posh Paws at its grooming salons across the country, a service that includes a paw massage, nail trim and nail polish application. |
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If you're looking for something closer to home, below are some paw-fect ideas for a spa day routine!
Soft hands and pawsGiving your hands that soft, supple feel is the first step to a great at-home manicure. Use Neutrogena deep moisture butter cream on your hands and forearms to stay soft without becoming greasy. The shea butter and soothing aloe in the Bow Wow Butter Balm by Happy Tails Canine Spa helps heal cracked paws and dry noses. And if your dog's a licker, don't worry! The formula is safe to ingest. |
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Nail paw-lishKeep your nails sparkling with these fun, glitter-infused bright-purple polishes. One for you, Nicole by OPI Justin Bieber collection , and one specially formulated for your pooch, Color Paw purple dog nail polish . They'll be the best mani-pedi buddy you could ever ask for! |
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Furry facialSPA Blueberry Facial Scrub for dogs removes pesky tearstains without irritating your pup's eyes. It also exfoliates, cleanses, soothes and hydrates your pet's face with botanical extracts and leaves them smelling like fresh blueberries. After you're done with your dog's facial, make sure to take care of your own skin with Ole Henriksen's Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask . The mask calms and relieves facial stress while giving your face a good dose of superfoods to invigorate and energize. |
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Puppy perfumeIf you're feeling really extravagant, try some doggie fragrances. Both the Sexy Beast Canine Fragrance and the Elizabeth Arden perfume contain the aromatic scents of vanilla, mandarin and nutmeg, but the first will run you about $800 more, because it's encrusted with Swarovski crystals and engraved with your dog's name. In a case like that, if people tell you that you smell like your dog, you can take it as a compliment! |
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It's a 'ruff' lifeYou can't have a spa day without a super-plush bathrobe, and neither can your pooch! Dress them in luxury with this terry dog bathrobe . It even has little details like a turn-down collar and belted waist to keep it classy. Cloak yourself in this Hotel Collection long cotton bathrobe . It's extra-soft, warm and cozy! |
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Up next: Teach an old dog new tricks with doga >>
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Teach an old dog new tricks
Humans aren't the only ones who can benefit from yoga, with their own special version of "doga." Seattle doga instructor and owner of Barking Buddha Doga Brenda Bryan shares why doga is a great way to bond with your pooch, as well as how to do her favorite pose.
SheKnows: How does doga work?
Bryan: Doga incorporates our dogs into all aspects of the [yoga] class, through massage, stretching, breathing and being fully present with our doga partners. Since dogs are naturally heart-opening creatures, we can use doga as an activity that opens us up to feeling a deeper connection to our dogs, ourselves and hopefully bring the feeling of a deeper connection to those around us and into the world.
SheKnows: What are the benefits of doga?
Bryan: Besides promoting relaxation and muscle health, doga can deepen the already strong bond we have with them, as well as teach trust and focus. Most dogs do well in doga because they love working with and being with their human.
SheKnows: What's your favorite doga pose?
Bryan: There are so many, but this is how to do the wheelbarrow pose:
- Stand behind your dog with your feet hip-distance apart. Lift your chest and extend your tailbone to make your back flat like a tabletop. You'll be in a half-forward bend, or "half-uptail," as we call it in doga. Lift your shoulders up and back slightly so you feel a nice opening of the back and shoulders. You can also lift your leg bones up and back so you get a gentle opening of the hamstrings. Now it's time to bring our dog into the pose.
- Place your hands on your dog's back haunches and make gentle circles with your hands to begin loosening the hips. If you are able to lift your dog, reach under the hip creases and lift, placing the back paws on the front of your legs . Mind your back! Engage your core and micro-bend your knees to protect your low back. If your dog is too heavy to lift or has any physical issue that may prevent stability in this pose, then simply massage the hips. They will benefit from the hip massage even without the abdominal stretch the lift provides.
More ways to pamper your pooch
Eco-friendly pets: Green pet pampering
Grooming tips for stylish dogs and cats
7 Ways to bond with your pet